A bold Mini John Cooper Works GP will launch in 2020
as the production version of the JCW GP Concept from 2017. The British automaker says that
just 3000 units of the John Cooper Works GP will hit the market, each powered
by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with in excess of 300 hp. Mini says the
John Cooper Works GP will be the fastest and most powerful Mini ever approved
for street use.
The car has been under development for a number of
months and has started to be pushed to its limits on the race track. While most
owners will keep their JCW GP’s on the street, rigorous testing at circuits
will allow Mini to ensure the suspension system, engine, aerodynamics, and
weight distribution all work in harmony to provide the most thrilling driving
experience possible. It’s unclear if the car will be all-wheel drive.
A trio of teaser images of the vehicle have been
released, confirming that the road-going Mini John Cooper Works GP will
resemble 2017’s concept but lack some of the show car’s craziest add-ons. The most obvious similarity
between the production car and the concept will be a bold, split-rear wing
that’s painted red on the inside and includes painted ‘GP’ logos on either
side. We can also see that the hot hatch will be adorned with sporty wheels
with black and silver spokes and dual tailpipes surrounded by an aggressive
rear diffuser.
The previous John Cooper Works GP built in 2012
managed to lap the Nurburgring in 8 minutes and 23 seconds. With the new car,
Mini may hope to dip below the 8-minute mark to establish the car as a serious
rival to the Honda Civic Type R and Ford Focus RS.
